The sound of “Carry On”, the lead song from Motor Ace’s forthcoming sophomore release, is simultaneously comforting and frustrating; it signifies a band in a sonic holding pattern. There are signs of growth on “Carry On” - the use of strings (arranged with help from Iva Davies) actually adds impact, a happy sign of judiciousness after the superfluous gimmick of bagpipes in their earlier single “Death Defy”. However, this progression is counterbalanced by Motor Ace’s continued use of the loud/soft dynamic, which makes the single sound very similar to its predecessors. Despite these structural and sonic similarities, the strong melodies of “Carry On” win a listener over; Motor Ace simply play to their strengths, which can’t really be criticised.

The b-sides are a mixed bunch; like the lead track, they leave a listener ambivalent. “Genes” is rudimentary rock, with Patrick Roberston’s oddly dispassionate vocal revealing that perhaps Motor Ace really didn’t believe in the song either. More zeal is found on “She’s Your Blood Type”, where the guitars are satisfyingly raw and crunchy enough to pull off yet another loud chorus. These two tracks are shamed significantly by the haunting “Trying To Get Some Sleep”, where Motor Ace go acoustic, proving that they have as much (if not more) impact when restrained as they do in full assault.

As a lead single for their second album, Carry On hints at exciting new possibilities, but the title track indicates that Motor Ace will deliver a sequel rather than a successor to Five Star Laundry. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Track Listing:
1. Carry On
2. Genes
3. She's Your Blood Type
4. Trying To Get Some Sleep

Reviewed by Michael Tran.